A Staffordshire artisan fudge producer has been named the 1,000th member of the Staffordshire Business and Environment Network (sben), marking a major milestone for the county’s leading sustainability-focused business network.
Amber Danks, owner of Uttoxeter-based Danks Family Fudge, joined sben to strengthen her sustainability strategy and has already immersed herself in the network’s programme of events.
With sben’s support, she is actively reviewing her energy use, identifying opportunities to reduce environmental impact and embedding practical improvements to support environmental responsibility and long-term business growth.
Amber Danks said:
Joining sben has given me access to valuable knowledge, practical tools and a supportive community of like-minded businesses.
The events I’ve attended have provided clear, actionable steps to improve our environmental performance while strengthening the long-term resilience of Danks Family Fudge.
Being the 1,000th member is a real honour and has strengthened my commitment to running a company where success is founded on solid sustainable practices.”
Amber’s membership reflects the growing number of Staffordshire businesses, improving competitiveness while reducing environmental impact.
Founded in 1992, the Staffordshire Business and Environment Network (sben) provides insight, expertise and inspiration to help organisations increase profitability, improve environmental performance and reduce environmental impacts.
Adam Whitehouse, owner of TMT First, a mobile repair, refurbishment and recycling company, has been Chair of sben since 2024 and brings a strong commitment to the circular economy.
From the outset, Adam set an ambitious challenge to grow the network to over 1,000 members and position sben as a leading voice to support business success and sustainability across Staffordshire and beyond.
He said:
Reaching our target of 1,000 members is a significant achievement for the network and for Staffordshire as a whole.
This milestone reflects the growing commitment of organisations across our county to take meaningful environmental action.
By working together, we are helping businesses become more competitive, more resilient and better prepared for the future.”
Martin Murray, Staffordshire County Council’s acting leader, said:
I’d like to congratulate sben on reaching this important milestone.
The strength of the network lies in its members and their shared commitment to improvement.
Staffordshire companies collaborate through the network to build resilience, strengthen supply chains and create a more sustainable regional economy.
Together, we’re building a stronger, more resilient future for our regional businesses.”
Danks Family Fudge makes artisanal, hand-made fudge products to an old and secret family recipe, from its production base in Uttoxeter. The company ethos is simple - to transform the finest ingredients into delicious products based on a commitment to quality and craftmanship.
By enabling businesses to operate more efficiently and responsibly, sben’s work delivers benefits beyond individual organisations.
It supports a cleaner environment, a stronger local economy and a more resilient business community.
People can find out more at the sben website or call 01785 277 379.
Watch Amber’s video to hear what being sben’s 1000th member means to her and her business.
